Flashlight device

ABSTRACT

Flashlight device comprising a mounting assembly and a housing with the mounting assembly carrying a flashlight lamp, battery and switch means and being slideable within the housing and with the switch means being adapted for actuation by the housing so that upon outward movement of the mounting assembly relative the housing the lamp will be lit and upon inward movement, the lamp will be extinguished.

O United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,805,050 Spiegel 1451 Apr. 16, 1974 FLASHLIGHT DEVICE 2,714,152 7/1955 Ackerman et a1. 240/l0.68 x 2,737,574 3/1956 Muller 240/l0.68 X [75] Invenmr- Nmma SW8", New Ymk, 2,744,189 /1956 Wudyler 240/10 F x [73] Assignee: Nasta Industries, Inc., New York,

NY. Primary Examiner-Joseph F. Peters, Jr. [22] Filed; Ju|y 25 1973 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Armand E. Lackenbach [2]] Appl. N0.: 382,303

[57] ABSTRACT [52] 240/10 i Flashlight device comprising a mounting assembly and [51] Int Cl 1, 15/00 a housing with the mounting assembly carrying a flash- [58] Fie'ld O G 6 4 R light lamp, battery and switch means and being slide- 240/6 4 w 6 10 61 10 1 able within the housing and with the switch means i 2 being adapted for actuation by the housing so that upon outward movement of the mounting assembly [56] References Cited relative the housing the lamp will be lit and upon in- U ITED S ATES PATENTS ward movement, the lamp will be extinguished.

3,368,069 2/1968 Trott 240/6.4 R 13 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures 70 H 30 f 70 It I2 66 1 1/0 g; 55 1 .15 58 56 I06 F 98 I 90 I fl il 54 /8 52 92 62 94 84 f f /4 76 9e FLASHLIGHT DEVICE The present invention relates generally to a flashlight deivce and, more particularly, to a flashlight device which may be utilized as a novelty item.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved flashlight device.

It is another primary object of the present invention, in addition to the foregoing object, to provide a flashlight device which may be manufactured, used and sold as a novelty item.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such a flashlight device which may be configured to a caricature of a human figurine.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such a flashlight device configured to a caricature of a human figurine wherein the eyes thereof may be lighted.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such flashlight device wherein a housing is slideable relative a base and the light may be lighted by extension therebetween.

Another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such a flashlight device including novel and improved switch means.

Yet still another primary object of the present invention in addition to each'of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such flashlight device adapted to be suspended from a key chain or the like.

Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such flashlight device which iseconomical to manufacture and durable in use.

Another and still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such a flashlight device wherein the battery and lamp may be readily and easily replaced.

Another and yet still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such a flashlight device which may be readily and easily molded primarily of plastic material and easily assembled.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated in an improved flashlight device constructed in accordance with the principals of this invention. The present invention will be better understood and objects and important features other than those specifically enumerated above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following details and description, whcih when taken in conjunction with annexed drawing describes, discloses, illustrates and shows a preferred embodiment or modification of the present invention and what is presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing the principals thereof. Other embodiments or modifications may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein, and such other embodiments or modifications are intended to be reserved especially if they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

IN THE DRAWING:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a flashlight device constructed in accordance with the principals of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional elevational view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial elevational cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the relationship of the housing and switch or disconnect means in their relative positions for lighting the lamp; and,

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional planned view taken along line 55 of FIG. 3.

With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated a flashlight device constructed in accordance with the present invention and designated generally by the reference character 10 and which comprises a generally hollow sleeve-like housing 12 and a mounting assembly 14 structurally accociated therewith. The housing comprising a skirt-like portion 16 which may, as shown, be taped from a generally oval mouth opening 18 at one end thereof to a somewhat smaller generally oval mouth opening 20 at the other end thereof. Said other end of the skirt-like portion 16 may have associated therewith a cap member 22 closing said other end of the housing. The cap 22 may be secured with the skirt-like portion 16 as by insertion of a flange 24 within the mouth opening 20 and the cap and the skirtlike portion 16 may be bonded generally along or adjacent the flange 24 as by adhesive bonding or the like. The skirt-like portion 16 may be provided with a label 26 adhesively secured thereon and imprinted as generally shown in FIG. 1 so as to define a face, body, and the like of a caricature figurine. The skirt-like portion 16 and the label 26 may be provided with a pair of apertures 28 defining eyes for the face depicted on the label 26 and through which beams of light may be projected.

The mounting assembly 14 is provided with means 30 for supporting a flashlight lamp 32, means 34 for supporting a battery or cell 36 and means 38 for electrically connecting the lamp 32 and battery 36 in a series connected electric circuit fo energizing the lamp 32. The electrical connecting means 38 may in turn comprise disconnecting or switch means 40 connected in series between the lamp 32 and the battery 36 for disconnecting the electrical circuit upon inward movement of an actuating portion 42 thereof. The mounting assembly 14 may further comprise guide means 44 for supporting the mounting assembly 14 relative the housing 12 with at least the lamp 32 being within the housing 12 while enabling sliding movement relative thereto so that the actuating portion 42 of the disconnecting means 40 may be depressed by engagement with the end of the housing surrouding the mouth opening 18 upon telescoping relative movement to disconnect the series circuit between the lamp 32 and the battery 36 while enabling the actuating portion 42 of the disconnect or switch means 40 to be released upon expanding movement of the housing 12 relative the mounting assembly 14 to close the switch or disconnect means 40 and cause the lamp 32 to be lighted.

The mounting assembly 14 may comprise a base portion 44 which is extended outwardly of the housing 14 and may have a flat outer surface 46 enabling the base portion 44 to define a stand for the flashlight device 10. The base portion 44 may further be configured to define feet for the figurine defined by the device and is preferably larger than the maximum extent of the mouth opening 18 so as to define a stop to preclude telescoping movement beyond such position when the base portion engages the skirt-like portion 16.

The device 10 may be further provided with means 48 for latching the mounting assembly 14 with the housing 12 and limiting expansion therebetween after latching by defining stop means against further expansion.

The guiding means 44 may comprise a sleeve-like portion 52 extending generally perpendicularly of the base portion 45 having a periphrey substantially similar to the internal periphrey of the mouth 18 of the housing 12 and may be matingly received therewith. The sleeve-like portion 52 may be provided with an aperture 54 through which the actuating portion 42 of the disconnect means 40 extends for engagement by the housing 12 when the flashlight device 10 is telescoped so that the base portion 45 is engaged against the housing 12.

The mounting assembly 14 may further comprise a generally rectangular flat plate-like member extending generally longitudinally of the sleeve portion 52 which may carry a pair of generally rectangular generally parallel spaced apart ribs 58 which extend generally perpendicularly longitudinally therealong and defining therebetween a channel 60 within which the battery 36 extends and defining thereby part of the battery supporting means 34. A brace 62 may be provided extending generally perpendicular of the sleeve-like portions 52 for further supporting the battery 36. Hence, the battery 36 is supported between the ribs 58 within the channel 60 against the plate-like member 56 and the brace 62 and against the sleeve 52.

The end portion of the battery 36 adjacent the lamp 32 is further retained within the channel 60 by the housing 16. A generally semi-circular scooped notch 64 may be provided in the sleeve-like portion 52 to enable the battery to be tilted for removal from the channel 60.

A brace 66 may be provided extending across the channel 60 between the ribs 56 and provided with a generally semi-circular notch to provide clearance for the base of the lamp 32.

The lamp supporting means comprises a conductive metallic strip 68 extending across the channel 60 and is supported by the ribs 58 as by being engaged within a pair of aligned slots 70 therein. The strip 68 is provided with a threaded aperture 72 for threadly receiving the base 74 of the lamp 32 and thereby making contact with the shell electrode thereof. The strip 68 therefore forms a part of the electrical connecting means 38. A further portion of the electrical connecting means 38 may be defined by a bowed metal strip 74 extending across the base portion 45 in general alignment with the channel 60 and adapted to contact one terminal, for example, the center post terminal 76 of the battery 36 towards the lamp 32 so that the base electrode 78 of the battery 36 engages the base electrode 80 of the lamp 32. The bowed spring member 74 may further comprise an extension 82 bent to generally right angular position and supported, for example, by

means of a support post 84 to maintain the bowed spring electrode 74 in position. The extension 82 may extend beyond the support post 84 to define a cantelevered portion 86 extending generally longitudinally of said sleeve portion 52 and defining a fixed contact for the disconnect means 40. The lamp support strip 68 may also comprise an extension 88 extending generally perpendicular the lamp supporting portion of the strip 68 and generally parallel the ribs 58 and being supported by means of a support post 90 extending generally perpendicularly of the plate-like member 56 and the extension 88 may extend beyond the support post 90 to define a cantelevered generally springy portion 92 whose free end portion 94 defines the movable contact of the disconnecting means or switch 40. The cantelevered portions 92 is preferably of sufficient rigidity and is configured so as to bias the free end portion 94 outwardly away from the battery 36 towards engagement with the fixed electrode 86 when the actuating portion 42 is not depressed by the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 4. However, when the actuating portion 42 is depressed by the housing 12 through telescoping of the housing 12 and mounting assembly 14, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable contact or free end portion 94 of the cantelevered portion 92 is separated from the fixed contact 86 to thereby disconnect the circuit between the battery 36 and lamp 32. The support posts 84 and 90 are provided with generally circular apertures 96 and 98, respectively, and the extensions 82 and 88 are provided with generally semi-circular bends 102 and 104, respectively, received within the apertures 96 and 98 to prevent longitudinal movement of the extensions 82 and 88 relative the posts 84 and 90. The posts 84 and 90 are further provided with slots 106 and 108, respectively, for enabling positioning of the extensions 82 and 88 therewithin.

The guiding means 44, in addition to the sleeve 52 are matingly received within the mouth 18 of the housing 16 and may comprise a pair of arm-like extensions 1 10 extending forwardly of the ribs 58 for engaging the interior of the housing 12. Oppositely thereto, the cor nets of the plate-like portion 56 may be tapered or truncated as shown in FIG. 3 to define a pair of shoulders 112 for engaging the interior of the housing 12 to provide further guiding and general rigidity to the housing 12 relative the mounting assembly 14.

The stop means 48, which, as heretofore pointed out, also defines a latch for latching the mounting assembly 14 relative the housing 12 while yet permitting ready removal therefrom for replacement of the battery 36 and lamp 32 may comprise a cantelevered tongue member 114 having a free end portion 116 extending generally outwardly of the plate like member 56 on the opposite side thereof from the ribs 58 and pointing generally away from the base portion 45. The cantelevered tongue member 114 maybe mounted with the plate like member 56, as by means of a rivot 118. The free end portion of the tongue member 114 may terminate in an enlarged, generally arrow-like head portion 120 tapered to define a camming surface 122 for bending the free end portion 116 of the tongue member 114 towards the plate like member 56 upon engagement with the end of the housing 12 during insertion or assembly of the mounting assembly 14 therewith and further defining an outwardly extending shoulder 124 facing towards the base portion 45 of the mounting assembly 14 for engaging an edge 126 of an aperture 128 provided in the housing portion 12 when the mounting assembly 14 is extended, as shown in phantom in FIG. 2.

To enable the mounting assembly 14 to be readily removed from the housing 12 for replacement of the battery 36 or bulb 32, the head portion 120 of the tongue member 114 may be readily and easily depressed through the aperture 128 to enable the mounting assembly 14 to be readily and easily extended beyond the stop position defined by the shoulder 124 and removable for disassembly of the housing 12 and mounting assembly 14.

The cap 22 may be provided with an aperture 130 and thereby suspended from a key chain 132, or the like.

The appearance of the flashlight device 10, particularly when utilized as a novelty device may be readily and easily changed by mere substitution of differently configured cap portions 22 and paper labels 26.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in terms of an embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice the scope of the invention shall not bedeemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

1. Flashlight device comprising, in combination, a generally hollow sleeve-like housing and a mounting assembly comprising in turn, means for supporting a lamp, means for positioning a battery for energizing said lamp, and means for electrically connecting said lamp and battery in a series connected electric circuit for energizing said lamp, disconnecting means connected in said series circuit and having an actuating portion extending laterally outwardly of said mounting assembly for disconnecting said circuit upon inward movement of said actuating portion, and guide means for supporting said mounting assembly with at least said lamp supporting means within said housing and enabling sliding movement relative thereto so that said actuating portion is depressed by engagement with said housing upon telescoping relative movement to disconnect said series circuit and released upon expanding relative movement to connect said series circuit.

2. Flashlight device defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a generally enlarged base portion for engaging an end portion of said housing and limiting telescoping movement therebetween, and stop means for limiting expanding relative movement therebetween to only that extent necessary to release said disconnect means.

3. Flashlight defined in claim 2 wherein said guiding means comprises a sleeve-like portion extending generally perpendicularly of said base portion and matingly receivable within said housing and provided with an aperture adjacent said base portion, said actuating portion extending laterally outwardly through said aperture for engagement and inward actuation by an end portion of said housing when said device is telescoped to engage said base portion against said housing.

4. Flashlight defined in claim 3 wherein said base portion comprises a substantially flat bottom and defines a stand for supporting said device in a generally upstanding attitude.

5. Flashlight defined in claim 3 wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a generally flat generally rectangular plate-like member extending generally longitudinally of said sleeve portion and a pair of generally parallel spaced apart ribs extending generally perpendicularly longitudinally there-along defining therebetween said battery positioning means, said lamp supporting means comprising a conductive metal strip extending between said ribs provided with an aperture for engaging the base shell of a flashlight lamp and defining a portion of said series circuit comprising a bowed conductive spring member extending within said base portion generally parallel said lamp supporting means for holding a battery conductively between said spring member and the base contact of a lamp positioned in said strip aperture, said disconnecting means comprising, in turn, an extension of said spring member extending generally longitudinally of said sleeve-like portion to define a fixed switch contact and an extension of said lamp supporting strip cantilevered to extend generally longitudinally of said sleeve past said fixed switch contact to define a movable switch contact biased into normally closed contact therewith.

6. Flashlight defined in claim 5 wherein said actuating portion comprises a generally U-shaped bend formed in said cantilevered portion. 1

7. Flashlihgt defined in claim 5 wherein the latera edges of said plate-like member slidably engages the inside surface of said housing to further define said guiding means and said ribs comprise guiding portions slidably engaging the inside surface of said housing generally oppositely of the engagement of said lateral edges.

8. Flashlight defined in claim 7 wherein said guiding portions comprise arm-like portions carried by said ribs.

9. Flashlight defined in claim 5 wherein said housing is provided with an aperture and said stop means comprises a tongue member cantilevered outwardly of said plate-like member extending generally away from said base portion and provided at the free end portion thereof with a generally enlarged head portion adapted to enter said housing aperture and co-operate therewith for limiting relative movement therebetween.

10. Flashlight defined in claim 9 wherein the free end portion of said head portion is tapered to define a camming surface for bending said tongue toward said platelike member during assembly of said housing on said mounting assembly and is provided with an outwardly extending shoulder facing toward said base portion for engaging an edge of said housing aperture.

11. Flashlight defined in claim 2 wherein said housing is configured to a caricature of a human figurine and said base portion to the feet thereof.

l2. Flashlight defined in claim 11 wherein said housing is provided with a pair of apertures corresponding to the eyes of the figurine in generally lateral alignment with the lamp to define twin beams of light projected outwardly therethrough.

13. Flashlight defined in claim 12 further comprising a key chain connected with said housing generally opposite said base portion.

=0 I III I 

1. Flashlight device comprising, in combination, a generally hollow sleeve-like housing and a mounting assembly comprising in turn, means for supporting a lamp, means for positioning a battery for energizing said lamp, and means for electrically connecting said lamp and battery in a series connEcted electric circuit for energizing said lamp, disconnecting means connected in said series circuit and having an actuating portion extending laterally outwardly of said mounting assembly for disconnecting said circuit upon inward movement of said actuating portion, and guide means for supporting said mounting assembly with at least said lamp supporting means within said housing and enabling sliding movement relative thereto so that said actuating portion is depressed by engagement with said housing upon telescoping relative movement to disconnect said series circuit and released upon expanding relative movement to connect said series circuit.
 2. Flashlight device defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a generally enlarged base portion for engaging an end portion of said housing and limiting telescoping movement therebetween, and stop means for limiting expanding relative movement therebetween to only that extent necessary to release said disconnect means.
 3. Flashlight defined in claim 2 wherein said guiding means comprises a sleeve-like portion extending generally perpendicularly of said base portion and matingly receivable within said housing and provided with an aperture adjacent said base portion, said actuating portion extending laterally outwardly through said aperture for engagement and inward actuation by an end portion of said housing when said device is telescoped to engage said base portion against said housing.
 4. Flashlight defined in claim 3 wherein said base portion comprises a substantially flat bottom and defines a stand for supporting said device in a generally upstanding attitude.
 5. Flashlight defined in claim 3 wherein said mounting assembly further comprises a generally flat generally rectangular plate-like member extending generally longitudinally of said sleeve portion and a pair of generally parallel spaced apart ribs extending generally perpendicularly longitudinally there-along defining therebetween said battery positioning means, said lamp supporting means comprising a conductive metal strip extending between said ribs provided with an aperture for engaging the base shell of a flashlight lamp and defining a portion of said series circuit comprising a bowed conductive spring member extending within said base portion generally parallel said lamp supporting means for holding a battery conductively between said spring member and the base contact of a lamp positioned in said strip aperture, said disconnecting means comprising, in turn, an extension of said spring member extending generally longitudinally of said sleeve-like portion to define a fixed switch contact and an extension of said lamp supporting strip cantilevered to extend generally longitudinally of said sleeve past said fixed switch contact to define a movable switch contact biased into normally closed contact therewith.
 6. Flashlight defined in claim 5 wherein said actuating portion comprises a generally U-shaped bend formed in said cantilevered portion.
 7. Flashlihgt defined in claim 5 wherein the lateral edges of said plate-like member slidably engages the inside surface of said housing to further define said guiding means and said ribs comprise guiding portions slidably engaging the inside surface of said housing generally oppositely of the engagement of said lateral edges.
 8. Flashlight defined in claim 7 wherein said guiding portions comprise arm-like portions carried by said ribs.
 9. Flashlight defined in claim 5 wherein said housing is provided with an aperture and said stop means comprises a tongue member cantilevered outwardly of said plate-like member extending generally away from said base portion and provided at the free end portion thereof with a generally enlarged head portion adapted to enter said housing aperture and co-operate therewith for limiting relative movement therebetween.
 10. Flashlight defined in claim 9 wherein the free end portion of said head portion is tapered to define a camming surface for bending said tOngue toward said plate-like member during assembly of said housing on said mounting assembly and is provided with an outwardly extending shoulder facing toward said base portion for engaging an edge of said housing aperture.
 11. Flashlight defined in claim 2 wherein said housing is configured to a caricature of a human figurine and said base portion to the feet thereof.
 12. Flashlight defined in claim 11 wherein said housing is provided with a pair of apertures corresponding to the eyes of the figurine in generally lateral alignment with the lamp to define twin beams of light projected outwardly therethrough.
 13. Flashlight defined in claim 12 further comprising a key chain connected with said housing generally opposite said base portion. 